A passionate call from another bloke called Ian…

A passionate call from another bloke called Ian…

Legacy is a word that we use a lot in the event world, isn’t it? When we pitch for the bigger events, it’s made clear that sustainability, social values, the impact we have and the legacy that we leave post event are of the utmost importance. We then jump through hoops to demonstrate our commitment to that philosophy. If we’re being completely honest with ourselves how much of that remains once the last flight case is loaded on a truck and the invoice has been settled in full?

?The UK is currently riding on the crest of a successful sporting wave. The Commonwealth Games opened in spectacular style with an amazing ceremony last Thursday and has gone on to deliver some incredible sporting triumphs for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Then there was the Lionesses historic win at Wembley on Sunday.

For me there’s a lot of synergy between that impressive team performance by the Lionesses and the legacy they’ve created and what we do in the events industry. In fact, something Ian Wright said in his commentary following the 4-0 win in the semi-finals really struck a chord. I’m slightly paraphrasing his actual words but in essence it went: “If we don’t give girls the opportunity to play football in P.E. after this tournament then what are we doing? We’ve got to make sure that they are able to play and get the opportunity to do this….It’s going to inspire a lot of people, but if there’s no legacy to this like we saw with 2012…then what are we doing? Because this is as proud as I’ve felt of any England side.”

As I sat watching the Opening Ceremony and in the days that have followed, that sentiment has played over and over in my head. We have recruited, nurtured and trained more than 100 crew from Birmingham and the West Midlands who have not only done Showforce, but our entire industry, proud. They now have a passion for events and want to build on the skills and experience that they’ve gained. We’ve inspired a new generation of hardworking event superstars and I couldn’t be prouder.

The ceremonies and wider organising team have undoubtedly played their part in creating the legacy especially in a time when we’re constantly discussing the lack of resources and people entering our industry. We now have an opportunity and a responsibility to ensure that we retain this talent once the curtain comes down on the closing ceremony! Will any local government agencies step in to ensure we are able to act?

I’m more than happy to put my money where my mouth is and keep the doors open on our office in Birmingham but where is the work coming from to keep more than 100 crew busy in the Midlands. With the corporate side of our business slower to return we are in danger of losing the talent we’ve attracted during the summer and finding ourselves in the position of starting again next May.

So, fellow Midlands based businesses NEC Group , WE ARE THE FAIR LIMITED , Christie Lites UK , GES - Global Experience Specialists , @cbsarena are you with us?

Because in the words of Ian Wright, these guys having to keep playing or there’s no legacy and if there isn’t, then what are we doing?